Fish oil reduces blood clotting to protect you from heart attack and plaque formation in the arteries and to clear up blockages that can lead to heart disease. Although fish oil may lower cholesterol, its main benefit derives from its ability to reverse damage in the arteries caused by excess cholesterol. You can get fish oil from certain types of fish and through supplements.
Benefits
Research remains mixed on fish oil’s role in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Studies have shown both cholesterol reduction and increase. The heart-healthy benefits of fish oil relate to its reduction of clot-forming blood platelets, according to Minnesota Sea Grant, a University of Minnesota website. Blood clotting prevents excessive bleeding, but platelets that become overly active build up plaque from excess cholesterol in the bloodstream. The plaque forms on artery walls, blocking blood flow to and from the heart. Partially blocked arteries cause heart disease. Completely blocked arteries can lead to heart attack.
Unhealthy Fats
The buildup of plaque narrows the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, a symptom of heart disease. The narrowing increases the risk of blood clots in the arteries. Plaque forms on the artery walls from too much low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol in the bloodstream. Saturated fat boosts LDL cholesterol levels. Foods with saturated fat include meat, poultry and dairy products. Trans fats in many processed foods, fried foods in restaurants and commercially baked goods also raise LDL levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
To help reverse artery blockages, you can consume fish that contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce platelet activity and plaque formation. Fish high in omega-3s include salmon, tuna, whitefish, mackerel, pompano, herring, lake trout, channel catfish, carp, bluefish and black bass. Bake, broil or grill fish. Breaded and fried fish with fatty additives can counteract the healthy effects.
Fish Oil Supplements
Many fish oil supplements are made from fish rich in omega-3s. Fish oil may effectively lower triglycerides, or fats in the blood. Reducing triglycerides in the blood also reduces the risk of heart disease. A fish oil supplement called omega-3 ethyl esters has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to lower triglycerides. Doctors prescribe the supplement to heart patients who require triglyceride reduction. Fish oil and fish oil supplements may lower the risk of dying from heart disease for patients who have the disease as well as reducing the risk of heart attack. Fish oil may also expand blood vessels to lower blood pressure for patients with high blood pressure, a risk factor in heart disease.
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